By JOLENE OGLE
A LOCAL tradie has downed tools after 19 years to pick up the books and begin a career in aged care.
Following his father’s death last year, Jesse Sleeman, 33, enrolled at TAFE Queensland to complete a certificate III in Aged Care, incorporating a Home Care certificate.
A carpenter for the past 19 years, Jesse retired the tool belt when his father was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.
“The palliative care team at the time said Dad would need a full-time carer and when I walked into the room, he pointed at me,” Jesse said.
“It was highly emotional but just something that needed to be done. I was just going to let it be.
Jesse said he often clashed with his dad but the experience proved to be rewarding.
“Caring for him was amazing. We silently made amends and I got to see more of who he was and what he’s done and the same for him about me,” he said.
Following his father’s death, Jesse enrolled in TAFE, determined to use his career as a way of helping others.
Jesse, who graduated in November, said the switch from tools to books was challenging at the start, but support from TAFE staff helped him through the learning curve.
“The online computer work, submitting assignments, was a bit of a struggle for me at the start,” he said.
“But there was lots of help from the library staff at TAFE and even a tutor on a Tuesday afternoon to give support.”
Jesse said once he had made the decision to apply to study, he downed tools and put “120 per cent into TAFE”, and carrying books was much better than carrying tools.
For anyone thinking about a career change or a return to study, Jesse said “just do it”.
“Make the choice and do it. But, you have to be doing it for the right reasons,” he said.
“Definitely, in this industry, it’s not about money or what you’re going to own. It’s about what you can give to other people.”
Support is also important and Jesse said his family and friends have helped him through the study.
“A couple of my really close friends said it was probably the best decision I’ve ever made, so that was pretty cool,” he said.
“Having a friend who’s a nurse, she always said I’d be good as a nurse because I’m a people person, so she was stoked.”
Some people may wonder how people can work in palliative care, but for Jesse, there’s no better way to make people happy and give them the respect they deserve.
“It makes you feel good because they’re happy and it’s really rewarding to see them smile,” he said.
“Giving these guys a good day and respect and dignity they deserve is what I’m about.”
Jesse now plans to study for a Certificate in Disability at TAFE Queensland East Coast.
If you want to make the change, enrolments are now open for aged care courses at TAFE Queensland East Coast. Call 1300 656 188 or visit tafeeastcoast.edu.au for more information.
